Latest Harry Styles-Sphere buzz: A March residency launch

The music universe seems to be visiting Vegas this weekend. But a performer not in town is creating buzz around the amps.

Harry Styles is in the center of reports from informed individuals he will be the next Sphere headliner announced. This is not formally confirmed, but word is Styles would launch his series in March.

Styles and Phish have been name-dropped consistently among those familiar with The Sphere’s booking plans. Trey Anastasio’s band was held up as a top contender for New Year’s Eve. Not anymore. Phish has announced four NYE dates at Madison Square Garden to close the calendar.

Combining yet-to-be-formalized plans, look for Phish at The Sphere in April, after Styles.

Styles has also been held up as a performer for the Super Bowl halftime show at Allegiant Stadium in February. Such an appearance would serve as a wonderful way to announce a show in Vegas. But those who know Styles’ plans say he is not planning on performing at the Super Bowl.

But Styles is an apt fit for The Sphere. It’s far easier to list the reasons why he’d play the glorious globe than not. In 2022, Styles sold out a 15-show residency at Madison Square Garden. He’s a hitmaker, with “Harry’s House” winning the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.

The first single from that album, “As It Was.” was the No. 1 song internationally by Billboard calculations.

Also, Styles’ sequined bodysuits and boas delight all variety of fan.

And Styles is managed by Irving Azoff’s Full Stop Management entertainment agency. Azoff, who runs the company with his son Jeffrey, is entertainment industry royalty. Azoff the elder is reportedly involved in booking The Sphere as a consultant with venue partner Madison Square Garden Entertainment.

Another of Azoff’s clients: U2. At The Sphere, everything comes full circle.

John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. His “PodKats!” podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.